"And the other forty percent?" Lilith asked, though she already knew the answer.
"They've decided you're too dangerous," Dorian said. "That the risk of you becoming more powerful outweighs the risk of the curse transferring if the direct line ends. So they're joining Keres's attack. They're going to help him destroy Blackwood estate and eliminate you before you can threaten the family."
Silence fell over the hall.
Lilith felt something cold settle in her chest. Her own family. Blood relatives. Coming to kill her because they were afraid of what she might become.
"How many?" Sebastian asked. His voice dangerous.
"Twenty witches," Dorian said. "Powerful ones. Second branch has been gathering strength while the direct line died off. They're not as strong as direct descendants, but they're skilled. Coordinated. And they're bringing artifacts. Magical weapons specifically designed to counter Morvaine gifts."
